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The manhunt for two convicted killers widened Monday, as police delved into how both inmates obtained power tools they used in escaping from a maximum-security prison cell.

Police are investigating whether David Sweat and Richard Matt had inside help, or assistance from civilians or private contractors, to plan and carry out their escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, officials said Monday. They are also working to determine how the inmates' plot managed to avoid detection.

Sweat, 34, was behind bars on a conviction for first-degree murder in the 2002 killing of Broome County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Tarsia, then 36. Matt, 48, had been sentenced to 25 years to life for the kidnapping, dismemberment and murder of his former boss in 1997.

Officials say the pair escaped late Friday or early Saturday by cutting through a steel wall, crawling down a catwalk, breaking through a brick wall, cutting their way into and out of a steam pipe and then slicing through the chain and lock on a manhole cover outside the prison.

Their escape was discovered by prison officials Saturday morning. The inmates' beds — in adjacent cells — were stuffed with clothes in an apparent attempt to fool prison guards who were making rounds.

As the investigation continued for a third day, state police said they are pursuing some 300 leads as part of their search efforts.

For Broome County Sheriff's deputies, the manhunt is personal.

Richard Matt(Photo: FILE)

"Kevin was a kind of quiet guy, but he loved to laugh and giggle, and he loved a good joke," Sheriff's Capt. Kathleen Newcomb recalled Monday. "He was a very meticulous guy, too."

She compared news of the prison escape to ripping the scab off an old wound. "All of the feelings flooded back," she said.

"These are really, really bad guys, and every police officer involved, they're taking this seriously," Newcomb said. "It's going to continue full speed ahead until there's an end to this investigation."

The Broome County Sheriff's Office joins more than 250 officers who are coordinating information across the region, according to the state police. More than 100 members of uniformed, investigative and specialty units are searching for the inmates and following leads, officials said.

'A vivid memory'

Tarsia was a 13-year veteran of law enforcement when he was killed on July 4, 2002.

In the early hours that day in the area of Grange Hall Park in Kirkwood, Tarsia encountered three men who had stolen firearms from a Great Bend, Pennsylvania, firearms and fireworks business just minutes before Tarsia arrived upon them. Those suspects were Sweat, 22 at the time, and two companions, who were splitting the proceeds of the burglary. They killed Tarsia when he confronted them.

Sweat, along with Jeffrey A. Nabinger Jr., faced a possible death penalty when they were prosecuted by Broome County District Attorney Gerald Mollen.

They pleaded guilty to murder charges in exchange for life sentences.

"I was called to the scene on July 4, 2002, so it's a vivid memory for me," Mollen recalled Monday. "I'm confident that law enforcement nationally are going to bring (Sweat and Matt) to justice."

Tattoos for Richard Matt, which police released Monday.(Photo: NEW YORK STATE POLICE)

Police pursue leads

On Monday, officials also released more detailed descriptions and photographs of both fugitives, including distinctive tattoos.

Sweat was described by police as 5 feet 11 inches tall and 165 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He has a tattoo on his left bicep that says "Rebel," and tattoos on his right fingers, police said.

Matt is 6 feet tall and 210 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. He has a "Mexico Forever" tattoo on his back, a heart tattoo on his chest and left shoulder, and a Marine Corps insignia on his right shoulder, police said.

Troopers urged members of the public not to approach either of the men, if spotted, and instead alert law enforcement by calling 911.

A $100,000 reward was posted over the weekend for information leading to the capture of Sweat and Matt.

State police warn that the two escapees are extremely dangerous and ask the public to report any suspicious activity to 911, local law enforcement or the New York State Police. Information related to the investigation can be reported by calling (800) GIVETIP or emailing crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

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Sheriff Deputy Kevin Tarsia, 36, died in the line of duty on July 4, 2002 after coming across three robbery suspects at Grange Hall Park in Kirkwood, near the New York-Pennsylvania state line. David Sweat was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole in Tarsia’s death. Sweat, now 34, was one of two convicted murderers who State Police say escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Dannemora, Clinton County, late Friday or early Saturday. Press & Sun-Bulletin Photo

This Chicago Bulls duffle bag was found at the scene of the killing in Kirkwood. It contained several guns from the burglary at Mess's Fireworks in Great Bend, Pa. Customers of the store saw a similar bag in the store before the burglary, authorities said. Press & Sun-Bulletin Photo

Sgt Shaun Carnevale, of the Broome County Sheriff's Department, lights a candle in memory of fellow deputy Kevin Tarsia during a memorial service at St. Patrick's Church in Binghamton. Press & Sun-Bulletin Photo

Broome County Sheriff Dave Harder fights back tears during a press conference where sheriff deputy Kevin Tarsia died in the line of duty after coming across possible robbery suspects near the New York-Pennsylvania state line. Press & Sun-Bulletin Photo

Broome County District Attorney Gerald Mollen sought the death penalty against the two men who killed Broome County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Tarsia. Mollen later agreed to take guilty pleads from the defendants. Press & Sun-Bulletin Photo

Two convicted murderers escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Dannemora, Clinton County, sometime Friday night or Saturday morning, according to state police. Associated Press